Sigma announces second scholarship contest

Sigma Corporation of America, maker of lenses, digital cameras and flashes, has announced its second annual Scholarship Contest. The contest is open to all high school seniors who plan to pursue a photo-related career. The student selected will be awarded a cash gift of $5,000 and a $1,000 gift card.

Applicants must submit three to five images with a connecting theme. They must also submit a 300 to 800 word essay that explains the theme and discusses their creative process in selecting and capturing the images. The images do not need to be taken with Sigma equipment.

A public, online vote will be held from March 1, 2011 until April 1, 2011, and the top five vote-getters will become finalists. Sigma executives will then choose the Scholarship Contest winner. The selection will be based on creativity of the subject selection, overall technique and image quality. The winner will be announced on April 18, 2011.

Sigma’s first Scholarship Contest winner, Jamie Russell of Cheektowaga, N.Y., submitted a series of photographs depicting poverty in her hometown.

Applications are now being accepted through February 28, 2011. For additional information about the Scholarship Contest, eligibility, the application process, photograph and essay submissions and a formal list of contest rules, visit the Sigma scholarship website.